Across southern Europe, wildfires driven by soaring temperatures have prompted emergency responses and raised safety concerns for the ongoing Tour de France cycling race. Authorities in several countries have deployed hundreds of firefighters and aerial support to contain the blazes, which have consumed tens of thousands of hectares of land.

In southwestern France, a wildfire covering more than 1,600 hectares near Les Angles, approximately 60 kilometers from the scheduled finish of Monday’s third stage of the Tour de France, is still spreading. The fire has led officials to close the race’s final segment to spectators as a precaution. The route itself remains unchanged, but the traditional publicity caravan accompanying the race will be suspended over the last 40 kilometers entering France from Spain. Cyclists will proceed with only essential personnel to reduce risks and allow security forces to focus on firefighting efforts. Local authorities reported difficulties including severe smoke, limited visibility, and scorching winds in the area. Two individuals are in critical condition, though no fatalities have been reported.

The event director, Christian Prudhomme, described the situation as “exceptional” and indicated that previous plans to potentially alter the race route underscore the seriousness of the threat. Approximately 750 firefighters, supported by 200 vehicles and nine aircraft, are actively engaged in containing the blaze. Officials are working to prevent the fire from advancing toward the Tet River and the Aspres mountains.

In Spain’s Catalonia region, where the first two stages of the Tour began in Barcelona, a 2,200-hectare wildfire near the Costa Brava coastline has been stabilized after igniting on Friday. Authorities have linked the blaze to sparks from a circular saw operated by a worker near a road and have arrested the individual suspected of accidentally starting the fire. Despite stabilization, high temperatures and lingering smoke continue to hinder complete extinguishment efforts.

Elsewhere in southern Europe, wildfires have devastated extensive areas, including more than 19,000 hectares combined across Portugal, France, Spain, and Greece. In northern Greece, fires in the vicinity of Thessaloniki destroyed two factories, prompting evacuations of nearby neighborhoods. Portugal’s emergency services reported bringing 80% of a large wildfire under control in the country’s northern region. Additional significant fires were also reported on the Croatian island of Hvar and in Albania’s Tale region.

The extreme heat across Europe, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, has played a critical role in the spread and intensity of the blazes. As firefighting efforts continue, authorities across affected countries are balancing emergency response with public safety measures, particularly in relation to large-scale events such as the Tour de France.